Eddie Murphy Quits as Oscar Host

I talked about it during my Midday radio show on AM 1240 WSDR in Sterling this morning (Nov. 9) about the possibility of Eddie Murphy stepping down from his Oscar gig. My reason was because he is friends with Brett Ratner, who just stepped down as one of the producers over a racial slur.
Ratner was the director of Murphy's latest film, "Tower Heist." Truth be told both were probably not happy with the box office over the weekend by getting beat by "Puss 'N Boots."
They had projected it to take in $30-35 million but nabbed $24 million, again losing to "Boots."
As the rumors started flowing and the speculation, it came true about Murphy. Here's how the Academy announced it and then reacted. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak announced that Eddie Murphy has withdrawn as host of the 84th Academy Awards. "I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well," said Sherak.
Meanwhile, Murphy himself, chimed in, too: "First and foremost I want to say that I completely understand and support each party's decision with regard to a change of producers for this year's Academy Awards ceremony. I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I'm sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job."
Now the question we will raise of the radio show and beyond is: Who will take his place. One answer - - Ricky Gervais. Attempt a coup from the folks and the Golden Globes and get him, also a comedian. Those involved with the Globes are in talks with Gervais to return despite all that talk about him not wanted back by them or industry folk. That is simply not true.
To recap from Nov. 8 when Ratner stepped down over that sensitive slur he uttered. A release from AMPAS is here: This morning (Nov. 8), Brett Ratner submitted his resignation as a producer of the 84th annual Academy Awards to Academy President Tom Sherak. Ratner then issued an open letter to the entertainment industry in which he explained his decision.
"He did the right thing for the Academy and for himself," Sherak said. "Words have meaning, and they have consequences. Brett is a good person, but his comments were unacceptable. We all hope this will be an opportunity to raise awareness about the harm that is caused by reckless and insensitive remarks, regardless of the intent."